Staff health and safety training and induction
Don't have a UQ login? You can access the volunteer and visitor training and induction.
The health and safety training you are required to complete can depend on your:
- role at UQ
- work activities
- previous experience and training.
See the full list of:
If you've registered for face-to-face training through the Staff Development program, you can access training slides and handouts (staff login required) before your training session.
For other staff induction requirements and activities, see new staff induction.
All staff
These training and induction activities are required for:
- all staff, including casual staff
- tutors
- higher degree by research students
- visiting academics
- unpaid trainees.
They are also required for undergraduate students who are:
- completing special projects, summer research or honours research in a work-type environment (for example, a research laboratory, workshop or field site)
- gaining work experience
- volunteering on field trips.
All staff and students should also complete any relevant task-specific or role-specific training.
Training or activity
Timeframe
Local site induction, including being:
- shown the location of emergency equipment, exits and evacuation meeting points
- introduced to local health and safety coordinators (WHSC) and representatives (HSR), floor wardens and first aid officer.
First day
General Workplace Safety online training (staff login required)
- First day
- Every 5 years
- First day
- Every year
New worker health and safety induction checklist (PDF, 190KB) - complete this with assistance from your supervisor and WHSC
First week
Health and safety training needs analysis (PDF, 148KB) - complete this with your supervisor and complete any training identified as required for your work
First week
Staff who use computer workstations:
This training is recommended but not mandatory
These training and induction activities are required for:
- all staff, including casual staff
- tutors
- higher degree by research students
- visiting academics
- unpaid trainees.
They are also required for undergraduate students who are:
- completing special projects, summer research or honours research in a work-type environment (for example, a research laboratory, workshop or field site)
- gaining work experience
- volunteering on field trips.
All staff and students should also complete any relevant task-specific or role-specific training.
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
Local site induction, including being:
|
First day |
|
General Workplace Safety online training (staff login required) |
|
|
|
|
New worker health and safety induction checklist (PDF, 190KB) - complete this with assistance from your supervisor and WHSC |
First week |
|
Health and safety training needs analysis (PDF, 148KB) - complete this with your supervisor and complete any training identified as required for your work |
First week |
| Staff who use computer workstations: | This training is recommended but not mandatory |
Supervisors and managers
This training is required for all supervisors and managers, including academics who supervise or manage staff or students.
Training or activity
Timeframe
As soon as practicable
HEW 9-10 and above: Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW) and Senior Managers training
As soon as practicable
Academic supervisors: OHS for Supervisors and Managers training
As soon as practicable
Academic managers: Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW) and Senior Managers training
As soon as practicable
This training is required for all supervisors and managers, including academics who supervise or manage staff or students.
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
As soon as practicable |
|
|
HEW 9-10 and above: Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW) and Senior Managers training |
As soon as practicable |
|
Academic supervisors: OHS for Supervisors and Managers training |
As soon as practicable |
|
Academic managers: Health, Safety and Wellness (HSW) and Senior Managers training |
As soon as practicable |
Health and Safety Representatives (HSR)
Training or activity
Timeframe
UQ Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) training
After you’re elected as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR). This training is recommended, but not mandatory.
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| UQ Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) training | After you’re elected as a Health and Safety Representative (HSR). This training is recommended, but not mandatory. |
Biological materials workers
Training or activity
Timeframe
Training listed on this page for laboratory workers or biosecurity (quarantine) workers
Before you start general laboratory work or work with biosecurity (quarantine) materials.
Before you start work in a certified PC1, PC2 or PC3 laboratory.
Before you start work in a biological laboratory.
When you start work in a laboratory with a biological safety cabinet.
Before you start work in a certified PC3 laboratory. Contact the Biosafety Advisors for further training requirements.
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
Training listed on this page for laboratory workers or biosecurity (quarantine) workers |
Before you start general laboratory work or work with biosecurity (quarantine) materials. |
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Before you start work in a certified PC1, PC2 or PC3 laboratory. |
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Before you start work in a biological laboratory. |
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When you start work in a laboratory with a biological safety cabinet. |
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Before you start work in a certified PC3 laboratory. Contact the Biosafety Advisors for further training requirements. |
Biosecurity (quarantine) workers
Training or activity
Timeframe
Before you start work with biosecurity (quarantine) materials.
Before you start work with biosecurity (quarantine) materials. Contact your Workplace Health and Safety Coordinator about any other training requirements.
Training listed on this page for laboratory workers or biological materials workers
Before you start general laboratory work or work in a biological laboratory.
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
Before you start work with biosecurity (quarantine) materials. |
|
|
Before you start work with biosecurity (quarantine) materials. Contact your Workplace Health and Safety Coordinator about any other training requirements. |
|
|
Training listed on this page for laboratory workers or biological materials workers |
Before you start general laboratory work or work in a biological laboratory. |
Field workers
Training or activity
Timeframe
Before you start field work.
Hand tool safety online training (staff login required)
Before you use hand tools for field work.
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
Before you start field work. |
|
| Hand tool safety online training (staff login required) | Before you use hand tools for field work. |
First Aid Officers
Training or activity
Timeframe
Accredited first aid training provided by a registered training organisation (RTO) recognised by the Australian Skills Quality Authority. You can search for RTOs and their courses at the Australian Government's My Skills website.
UQ provides accredited first aid training. The training is open to all staff, but preference for training places is given to UQ-appointed First Aid Officers.
Before you’re appointed as a First Aid Officer.
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
Accredited first aid training provided by a registered training organisation (RTO) recognised by the Australian Skills Quality Authority. You can search for RTOs and their courses at the Australian Government's My Skills website. UQ provides accredited first aid training. The training is open to all staff, but preference for training places is given to UQ-appointed First Aid Officers. |
Before you’re appointed as a First Aid Officer. |
Grounds, maintenance and workshop workers
You must provide copies of required certificates, licences and permits to your supervisor before you start any relevant work. These qualifications must be recorded on Aurion.
You should discuss task-specific safety training with your supervisor. You may require additional safety training on top of what’s listed here.
Role or activities
Required training, licences or permits
May also be required
All staff using hand tools
Hand tool safety online training (staff login required)
No other requirements
Carpenters
- Trade qualification
- Asbestos removal licence - class B
- Elevated work platform (EWP) licence
- Scaffolding licence
Electricians
- Trade qualification
- Electrical mechanic licence
- Confined space training
- Work safely at heights training
- Elevated work platform (EWP) licence
Fitter and turner
- Trade qualification
- Confined space training
- Work safely at heights training
- Elevated work platform (EWP) licence
Gardener or groundsperson
- Trade qualification
- Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control (ACDC) licence
- Tractor training
- Chainsaw training
- Skid steer licence
- Traffic controller licence
- Front-end loader (LL) licence
- Front-end loader/backhoe (LB) licence
- Heavy vehicle licence
Mechanic
- Trade qualification
- Forklift licence
Painters
- Trade qualification
- Elevated work platform (EWP) licence
- Scaffolding licence
- Work safely at heights training
Pest control officer
- Pest management licence
- Elevated work platform (EWP) licence
- Scaffolding licence
- Work safely at heights training
- Australian Pest Control Association (APCA) Pest Control Certificate course
Plumbers
- Trade qualification
- Plumbers licence
- Gas fitter licence
- Drainers licence
- Confined space training
- Backflow prevention training
- Thermostatic mixing valve training
- On-site sewerage facility maintenance training
- Solar and heat pump hot water systems training
- Work safely at heights training
- Scaffolding licence
Refrigeration mechanic
- Trade qualification
- Restricted electrical licence
- Refrigerant handling licence
- Confined space training
- Work safely at heights training
Water and sewerage treatment plant operator
- Waste management certificate
- Confined space training
- Water and sewerage operator ticket
Stock picker
- Forklift licence
No other requirements
You must provide copies of required certificates, licences and permits to your supervisor before you start any relevant work. These qualifications must be recorded on Aurion.
You should discuss task-specific safety training with your supervisor. You may require additional safety training on top of what’s listed here.
| Role or activities | Required training, licences or permits | May also be required |
|---|---|---|
| All staff using hand tools | Hand tool safety online training (staff login required) | No other requirements |
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Carpenters |
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Electricians |
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Fitter and turner |
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Gardener or groundsperson |
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Mechanic |
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Painters |
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Pest control officer |
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Plumbers |
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Refrigeration mechanic |
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Water and sewerage treatment plant operator |
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Stock picker |
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No other requirements |
Laboratory workers
Training or activity
Timeframe
Laboratory Safety training needs analysis (PDF, 399KB) – complete this with your supervisor and complete any training identified as required for your work
Before you start laboratory work.
Before you start laboratory work.
Local laboratory safety induction – attend an induction run by your local Laboratory Manager
Before you start laboratory work.
Compressed gases safety online training (staff login required)
Before you work with compressed gases.
Before you work with dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
Before you use hand tools in the workplace.
Undergraduate students
Training or activity
Timeframe
Undergraduate student laboratory safety checklist and declaration (PDF, 654KB)
During the first practical class.
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
Laboratory Safety training needs analysis (PDF, 399KB) – complete this with your supervisor and complete any training identified as required for your work |
Before you start laboratory work. |
|
Before you start laboratory work. |
|
|
Local laboratory safety induction – attend an induction run by your local Laboratory Manager
|
Before you start laboratory work. |
|
Compressed gases safety online training (staff login required) |
Before you work with compressed gases. |
|
Before you work with dry ice or liquid nitrogen. |
|
|
Before you use hand tools in the workplace. |
Undergraduate students
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
Undergraduate student laboratory safety checklist and declaration (PDF, 654KB) |
During the first practical class. |
Plant and equipment operators
Workplace Health and Safety Coordinators or supervisors must verify and record all required operator qualifications, licences and approvals:
- on an equipment training register (PDF, 230KB) for the location
- in records for the individual worker.
All staff using hand tools must also complete the Hand tool safety online training (staff login required).
Plant or equipment
Category
Required operator qualifications
Air-conditioning units (greater than 50kW)
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
No required qualifications
Amusement devices (excluding coin operated devices)
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
No required qualifications
Autoclaves
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- UQ training
Boats
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Licence or authority to work (certificate)
Boilers (hazard level A, B or C)
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
- Licence or authority to work (certificate)
Building maintenance units
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
- Licence or authority to work (certificate)
Chainsaws
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Certified training via a registered training organisation (RTO)
Cooling towers
High-risk plant, as per Schedule 1 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011
No required qualifications
Crane (greater than 10t)
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
- Licence or authority to work (certificate)
Escalators (including moving walkways)
- High-risk plant, as per Schedule 1 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
No required qualifications
Forklift (forklift truck, order-picking forklift truck)
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Licence or authority to work (certificate)
Fume cupboard or biosafety cabinet
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- UQ training
Heavy vehicle
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Licence or authority to work (certificate)
Lifts
- High-risk plant, as per Schedule 1 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
No required qualifications
Light vehicles
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Driver licence
Light vehicles (4WD; driving off-road)
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Driver licence
- Certified training via a registered training organisation (RTO)
Load shifting equipment (dozer, excavator, front-end loader, front end loader/backhoe, grader, road roller, scraper, skid steer loader)
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Certified training via a registered training organisation (RTO)
LP gas cylinders (water capacity greater than 0.1kg)
High-risk plant, as per Schedule 1 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011
No required qualifications
Motorbike
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Licence or authority to work (certificate)
Pendant cranes
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- UQ training
Pressure vessels and equipment (boiler, turbine, steam engine)
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
- Licence or authority to work (certificate)
Quad bikes
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Driver licence
- Certified training via a registered training organisation (RTO)
Ride-on mowers
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Driver licence
- UQ training
Tractors
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Driver licence
- Certified training via a registered training organisation (RTO)
Truck-mounted concrete placing units with booms
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
- Licence or authority to work (certificate)
Utility vehicles (for example, Kubota or Kawasaki)
UQ-defined high-risk plant
- Driver licence
- UQ training
Workplace Health and Safety Coordinators or supervisors must verify and record all required operator qualifications, licences and approvals:
- on an equipment training register (PDF, 230KB) for the location
- in records for the individual worker.
All staff using hand tools must also complete the Hand tool safety online training (staff login required).
| Plant or equipment | Category | Required operator qualifications |
|---|---|---|
|
Air-conditioning units (greater than 50kW) |
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 |
No required qualifications |
|
Amusement devices (excluding coin operated devices) |
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 |
No required qualifications |
|
Autoclaves |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Boats |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Boilers (hazard level A, B or C) |
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 |
|
|
Building maintenance units |
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 |
|
|
Chainsaws |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Cooling towers |
High-risk plant, as per Schedule 1 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 |
No required qualifications |
|
Crane (greater than 10t) |
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 |
|
|
Escalators (including moving walkways) |
|
No required qualifications |
|
Forklift (forklift truck, order-picking forklift truck) |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Fume cupboard or biosafety cabinet |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Heavy vehicle |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Lifts |
|
No required qualifications |
|
Light vehicles |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Light vehicles (4WD; driving off-road) |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Load shifting equipment (dozer, excavator, front-end loader, front end loader/backhoe, grader, road roller, scraper, skid steer loader) |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
LP gas cylinders (water capacity greater than 0.1kg) |
High-risk plant, as per Schedule 1 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 |
No required qualifications |
|
Motorbike |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Pendant cranes |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Pressure vessels and equipment (boiler, turbine, steam engine) |
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 |
|
|
Quad bikes |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Ride-on mowers |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Tractors |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
|
Truck-mounted concrete placing units with booms |
Registerable plant, as per Schedule 5 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 |
|
|
Utility vehicles (for example, Kubota or Kawasaki) |
UQ-defined high-risk plant |
|
Radiation workers
Training or activity
Timeframe
One or both of:
Before you work with unsealed radioactive sources. You may also require a Queensland Radiation Health licence.
Before you work with X-ray devices. You may also require a Queensland Radiation Health licence.
Queensland Radiation Health licence or specialist training provided by suppliers and manufacturers.
Discuss your specific requirements with your area’s Radiation Safety Officer or the University Radiation Protection Adviser.
Before you work with unsealed radioactive sources over certain limits or specialised equipment.
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
One or both of: |
Before you work with unsealed radioactive sources. You may also require a Queensland Radiation Health licence. |
|
Before you work with X-ray devices. You may also require a Queensland Radiation Health licence. |
|
|
Queensland Radiation Health licence or specialist training provided by suppliers and manufacturers. Discuss your specific requirements with your area’s Radiation Safety Officer or the University Radiation Protection Adviser. |
Before you work with unsealed radioactive sources over certain limits or specialised equipment. |
Security Officers
Training or activity
Timeframe
Security provider licence (Individual - Class 1)
As soon as practicable
Certified first aid training - see training for First Aid Officers on this page for example training providers
As soon as practicable
You may also require: Security provider licence (Individual - Class 2)
As soon as practicable
| Training or activity | Timeframe |
|---|---|
|
Security provider licence (Individual - Class 1) |
As soon as practicable |
|
Certified first aid training - see training for First Aid Officers on this page for example training providers |
As soon as practicable |
|
You may also require: Security provider licence (Individual - Class 2) |
As soon as practicable |